OTTAWA — This Ottawa Senators team is proving to be different from previous years, mainly because they are finding ways to overcome challenges and stay consistent.
Despite some ups and downs during the season, including winning and losing streaks, the Senators have shown resilience when it matters most. They`ve managed to avoid critical slumps that could derail their playoff hopes.
Their recent 3-2 victory over the Devils in New Jersey is a prime example. Although the game became closer than expected after a 3-1 lead, Ottawa secured the win and prevented a three-game losing streak. For the majority of the game, they controlled the play against New Jersey.
Consequently, the Senators are currently in a favorable wild-card position, holding the WC1 spot. Several other teams are vying for the second wild-card spot, but many of them appear to be less serious contenders.
While there`s still a significant portion of the season left, the struggles of supposedly competitive teams have reduced some of the tension in the Eastern Conference wild-card race.
The New York Rangers, for instance, were expected to perform better but have struggled recently, losing seven of their last ten games.
Legendary Rangers broadcaster Sam Rosen, who is retiring after this season, humorously commented on the team`s performance, saying they weren`t listening to his attempts to inspire them towards the playoffs.
Vancouver dominated the Rangers in a recent game, outshooting them 39-11. Only the outstanding play of goaltender Igor Shesterkin kept New York in the game and in the playoff contention.
Senators fans may recall a game on March 8 where the Rangers squandered a lead in Ottawa, leading to a Senators overtime victory. This game highlighted the contrasting seasons of the two teams: Ottawa finding ways to win, while the Rangers often underperform. New York`s wild-card rivals have games in hand and are close behind, with Montreal currently holding the second wild-card spot.
The New York Islanders, despite perhaps less overall talent, have shown more determination and are close behind the Rangers in the standings.
Other teams in the playoff hunt, like the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets, have experienced significant slumps, making it difficult for them to remain in contention.
However, Ottawa should be cautious as they face weaker opponents like Buffalo, Detroit, and Columbus in the upcoming week. These teams will be motivated to play spoiler and secure wins against a playoff-bound team.
Cozens Returns to Buffalo
Dylan Cozens, recently traded to Ottawa, will quickly return to Buffalo, the team that drafted him. The Senators will play against the Sabres on Tuesday.
Cozens has been a valuable addition to the Senators, who are aiming for their first playoff appearance since 2017. His size and skill, acquired in a trade that involved Josh Norris, are expected to benefit the team.
The Senators are impressed with Cozens` performance so far. He has been nearly a point-per-game player, with seven points in eight games. The trade also involved defensemen Jacob Bernard-Docker and Dennis Gilbert.
Coach Travis Green admitted that Cozens has exceeded initial expectations and believes there is still room for further improvement in the young player as he adapts to a new system.
Green and veteran player David Perron both noted the unusual experience of playing against a former team for the first time.
Everything feels slightly different, from facing former teammates on the opposing bench to dressing in the visitor`s room in a familiar arena.
The presence of the players` fathers on this road trip might ease some of the attention on Cozens` return to Buffalo. Cozens` father, Mike, was present at practice and seemed excited about the upcoming game in Buffalo.
Cozens mentioned that the trip was arranged quickly for his family from Whitehorse, given his recent trade to Ottawa.
Leading up to the game, Cozens has been texting with his former Buffalo teammates and is prepared to handle any awkwardness associated with his return.
“I’m excited,” Cozens said. “It’s going to be a little weird, for sure. I’m trying not to overthink it. At the end of the day, it’s just another game. And a big two points that we need.”
Cozens didn`t request the trade, but his performance has improved since joining a team with playoff aspirations, contrasting with the Sabres, who are again missing the playoffs.
He has had time to contemplate the trade that occurred on March 7.
“I thought I was going to be there (Buffalo) for a long time,” Cozens said. “I thought I was going to be part of the solution. I dreamt every day about turning things around there and being a successful team.”
“Obviously, it didn’t work out. It is what it is. I’m happy to be here and I’m very happy to be a Senator.”
The Senators are equally pleased to have him on their team.
Tkachuk Rests, Expected to Play
Brady Tkachuk, dealing with a hip issue, did not practice on Monday. However, Coach Green anticipates he will play against the Sabres. Green was less certain about Nick Jensen`s status, as he is recovering from an injury since March 13, although he did skate on Monday.
Tristan Blackwood